First flight for Haj Bound pilgrims from TN on October 6

The first flight for Haj-bound pilgrims from Tamil Nadu will commence on October 6 this year, Haj Committee of India Vice Chairman, A.Aboobucker said today.

Besides having MRT train facility to Mecca, Haj pilgrims from the country would be provided with a Saudi Arabia telecom SIM card free of cost this year, he told reporters here.

The number of applications is increasing multi-fold every year, he said, adding, a condition has been imposed that a person cannot apply again for Haj pilgrimage within five years of his visit.

"The quota is at 1,75,000 but applications received is more than eight lakh," he said. He also appealed to the state government to set up a Haj house for accommodating and providing assistance to those bound for the pilgrimage.